Lubrication Properties of Inorganic-Organic Hybrids

The development of fundamental processing technologies for low friction materials under boundary and fluid lubrication conditions, as well as technologies for incorporating flexibility into these materials for application to internal combustion engine components. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) is to develop a piston ring with new inorganic-organic hybrid materials; (2) to reduce the friction to less than 80% of that in a cast iron piston ring. In this paper, the evaluation of friction and fundamental properties with test pieces was carried out. By changing the composition of inorganic-organic hybrid materials and control of heat treatment conditions, it is possible to eliminate cracking and to make the external surface flat and smooth. The possibility is confirmed of improving the friction property by controlling the wettability of inorganic-organic hybrids by oil addition.